Prince of Wales becomes royal patron for wildlife project

June 8, 2007

Updated: Monday, June 7, 2010 (10:59)

ROYAL PATRON: Prince Charles pictured with Lord and Lady De Ramsey, Great Fen project manager Chris Gerrard and site manager Alan Bowley, on his visit to The Great Fen Project in March
Picture: HELEN DRAKE.

THE Prince of Wales has become royal patron of a Huntingdonshire wildlife project that aims to restore 3,700 acres of fenland habitat. His Royal Highness visited the Great Fen project in March and was said to be very impressed by what he saw, showing a

THE Prince of Wales has become royal patron of a Huntingdonshire wildlife project that aims to restore 3,700 acres of fenland habitat.

His Royal Highness visited the Great Fen project in March and was said to be "very impressed" by what he saw, showing a "genuine interest" in the project.

He enjoyed a one-hour tour with Great Fen project manager Chris Gerrard and Site Manager Alan Bowley, and heard about its vision to create a wetland, safeguarding threatened habitats and providing a massive green space for people, with a wealth of possibilities for recreation, education and the local economy.

In April, Stephen Fry, President of the Great Fen Campaign, wrote a letter to the future England of England inviting him to become Royal Patron of the project. In the reply, his Private Secretary said: "The Prince of Wales is simply thrilled to become Patron of this splendid project and is so touched that you should have thought to invite him".

Stephen Fry, President of the Great Fen Campaign, said: "It is a tremendous fillip for all who believe in this grand project that His Royal Highness is able to help us achieve our vision - the creation of a flagship heritage site of national and international significance, benefiting thousands of people for generations to come".

HRH will join the other Patrons of the Great Fen Project, Sir John Major and Tim Smith and chair of the Great Fen Campaign, Baroness Barbara Young.

HRH will serve a five-year term beginning in June 2007.

The Great Fen Project is one of the most ambitious and expansive conservation projects in Europe. It aims to join Woodwalton and Holme Fen Natures Reserves.

INFORMATION: The Great Fen Project is a partnership project run by the Environment Agency, Huntingdonshire District Council, Natural England and the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough. For more information on the Great Fen Project visit www.greatfen.org.uk or call Chris Gerrard, Great Fen Project Manager on 01954 713500.